Santiago to San Vicente

We checked out of the hotel this morning. Total cost for 3 nights US$173. I could take or leave Hotel Foresta. It clearly needs refurbishing and seems to be run by old men who don't really give a toss. If staying longer I would look for something better.

As we packed I noticed the bathroom shelf.



The hotel restaurant is on the 5th floor with lovely views over Cerro Santa Lucia.




Our hire car was delivered to the hotel by Maximo Rent a Car. We got a Kia "Morning" costing US$59 per day with unlimited mileage and Santiago tolls included.

First stop was the top of Cerro San Cristobal in Parque Metropolitano with stunning views across Santiago to the Cordilera.


One can also walk to the top of take the funicular railway.


There is also a church and lots of craft shops.


After stopping for lunch on the outskirts of Santiago we headed south on Route 5. There are tolls on urban autopistas which are collected electronically. As a car approches a payment gantry the applicable toll is displayed. Then, as the car passes under the gantry, the required toll is taken from a prepaid device on the car. Presumably this is topped up somewhere as required. Very slick and it certainly avoids the queues found at manual toll booths in Buenos Aires.

We had to pay close attention to the somewhat infrequent signs. Without changing lanes we ended up heading west instead of south. Back on route 5 we continued south on a superb autopista. About an hour into the trip the
Carabineros motioned us to stop for a spot check on our papers. They were very professional in immaculate uniforms.

Just after dark we arrived in San Vicente about 150k south of Santiago where we stayed with Nancy's sister Olga.